When going to a pet store or pound, you may think of getting a sweet dog that will sleep all night and follow you around the entire day. What actually happens could be completely different. No matter what, you have the job of taking care of your dog, and the piece below shows you how.
There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can reduce your dog’s risk of cancer and make them healthier in general. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Be careful when it comes to what you feed your pet.
Ask your vet how much food your dog should get every day. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer – it doesn’t cost very much to get his nails trimmed.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
Give your dog plenty of love. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This can only lead to future difficulties. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.
Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Be on the lookout for any new laws that may be passed which could restrict your rights as a dog owner. These pieces of legislation are typically motivated by a single incident, one particular breed or a limited number of misbehaved dogs. Make sure that your voice is heard on behalf of other dog owners.
When you are training your dog, don’t have too many people telling your dog what to do. Everyone will have a different way of trying to teach the dog something, and that can make things confusing for the animal. Have a single person focus on training your dog, and have anyone else work to reinforce what the dog is learning. No matter what their opinions are, they should stick to the rules set by the trainer.
Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.
When you undertake training for your dog, use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise helps dogs learn faster than violence and dominance. In addition, kind and humane treatment during training periods is healthier for your dog. So, behave in a friendly manner when you train your dog for best results.
Outdoor dogs need attention just like indoor dogs do. If he is left alone too much, you may see bad habits start to develop. Your dog could even become aggressive. Give your pet a lot of love and play with it too so that it’s happy.
Be patient with your dog. You may want to train him for a long time, but his attention span isn’t that long. Be sure to be patient and to only try to train your pup in many small intervals each day.
Put your dog in a crate if you are not able to watch him. If you do this, your house will not get messed up.
Talk to your veterinarian regarding the right food for your dog. Your dog might have medical needs that require a special diet. Feeding the right food could help alleviate his symptoms, or prevent things from getting worse. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend the best diet for your dog.
Don’t ignore this wonderful advice. Use the tips in your life, and you are going to find your dog more closely resembles the dream you had. Dogs that are happy really show it no matter what, so work hard and you’ll see the rewards!
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